English can be tricky, especially when it comes to spelling. Many people get confused by the words “writing” and “writting,” unsure of which one is correct. While both look similar at first glance, only one is right. So, why does this confusion exist, and how can you avoid making the same mistake? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the correct usage of “writing,” explore why “writting” is wrong, and give you the tools to confidently navigate these kinds of spelling issues in the future.
The confusion between “writing” and “writting” often arises from English spelling rules, particularly the ones related to adding suffixes like “-ing” to verbs. In many cases, the final consonant of a word is doubled, but in others, it’s not. The verb “write” does not follow the consonant doubling rule, which causes confusion when learners try to apply it. But don’t worry—the rules are simpler than they seem once you break them down.
Why Is There Confusion?
So why do people get stuck here? The issue lies in the way we change words when adding suffixes, especially the “-ing” suffix. In English, there are rules for doubling consonants when a verb ends with a short vowel and a single consonant, like “sit” becoming “sitting.” However, when a verb ends with a silent “e,” like “write,” the “e” is dropped before adding the “-ing” suffix. This creates “writing,” not “writting.”
But here’s where the confusion kicks in. English has so many exceptions to its rules that it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the rule for doubling consonants applies to every verb. Take “sit,” for example. You double the “t” to form “sitting.” So, many people incorrectly apply this rule to “write,” thinking it should become “writting.” The key here is remembering that when a verb ends in a silent “e,” the “e” disappears, and no consonant doubling is needed.
If you still find it hard to remember, think about how “hitting” and “sitting” have doubled consonants. These words follow the general rule, but “writing” doesn’t. The silent “e” drops off, and we don’t add an extra “t.”
Quick Summary
The correct spelling is “writing,” not “writting.” Although “writting” may seem logical, it doesn’t follow standard English rules. When forming the present participle of a verb, specific rules apply. For verbs like “write” that end in a silent “e,” the “e” is dropped before adding “-ing” (e.g., write → writing). Similarly, for verbs with a short vowel followed by a single consonant, the consonant is doubled (e.g., run → running).
“Writing” or “Writting”: Which Is Correct?
The correct form is “writing,” no doubt about it. If you’ve been writing it as “writting,” you’re not alone, but it’s still wrong. This confusion happens because of how the English language treats vowel and consonant combinations. Words like “sitting” and “hitting” seem to follow the same pattern, but “write” does not.
To understand why, let’s take a closer look at the word “write.” The verb “write” ends with a silent “e,” so when we add the “-ing” suffix, the “e” is dropped, leaving us with “writing.” There’s no need to double the “t,” which is what leads to the common mistake of spelling it as “writting.” The mistake occurs when people try to apply the consonant doubling rule, but that’s not how “write” works.
The bottom line is simple: if a verb ends with a silent “e,” just drop it when adding “-ing,” and you won’t go wrong. And when in doubt, remember this rule and use “writing” every time.
What Does “Writing” Truly Mean?
So, what does “writing” really mean? Beyond the mechanics of spelling, “writing” refers to the act of forming words, symbols, or characters to express thoughts, ideas, or information. Whether you’re writing by hand or typing on a keyboard, writing allows us to communicate ideas and share information with others. From everyday tasks like writing emails to more creative endeavors like crafting stories or poems, writing plays an essential role in human expression.
Writing is far from a single activity. It can take many forms, such as creative writing, academic writing, business writing, and personal journaling. Each form has its purpose, but they all share the common goal of using words to communicate ideas effectively. Whether you’re putting together a grocery list or drafting a novel, writing is a vital skill we use every day.
For example, imagine you’re sending a letter to a friend. Your writing conveys emotions, updates, and thoughts that could bridge the distance between you and your friend. On a professional level, the way you write emails, reports, or proposals affects how others perceive your ideas. Writing is indeed powerful and essential, whether you’re creating a fictional universe or providing clear instructions at work.
Words Following the Rules of “Writing”
Once you understand the rules for adding the “-ing” suffix, it becomes easier to form the present participles of other verbs. Just like “write” becomes “writing,” many other verbs follow the same pattern:
| Base Word | Present Participle |
| Make | Making |
| Bake | Baking |
| Ride | Riding |
| Hope | Hoping |
| Drive | Driving |
| Slide | Sliding |
| Live | Living |
| Vote | Voting |
By recognizing these examples, you can see how English follows consistent rules when transforming verbs into their present participle forms. The silent “e” is dropped, and the “-ing” is added, which gives us words like “making,” “baking,” and “driving.” The only exception is when the verb ends with a short vowel and a consonant, such as “sit” becoming “sitting.” This consistency helps you avoid common mistakes and makes spelling easier to navigate.
Synonyms of “Writing”
The word “writing” can encompass a wide range of activities, and there are many synonyms for it depending on the context. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Penmanship: Refers to the art or skill of handwriting.
- Noting: The act of quickly jotting down ideas or reminders.
- Drafting: Creating the initial version of a written work.
- Recording: Writing down something for documentation or reference.
- Scribing: Often refers to the act of copying or writing down something word for word.
- Composing: The act of creating a written work, particularly in a creative or artistic sense.
- Journaling: Writing personal thoughts, observations, or daily events.
- Editing: The process of revising and improving written material.
These synonyms give more insight into what “writing” entails, depending on whether you’re jotting down quick notes, creating a story, or revising a report. Knowing the different terms helps clarify the many forms of writing and the unique purposes they serve.
Sentences Using “Writing”
To see how “writing” works in real-life situations, here are some sentences that show different ways to use the word:
- Writing a letter to a friend is a personal and meaningful way to stay connected.
- He spent all afternoon writing his new novel, hoping to finish the first chapter.
- Writing in a journal every night helps me reflect on my day and gather my thoughts.
- The teacher praised her for writing such a well-researched essay.
- Writing reports for work may seem like a chore, but it’s an essential skill.
- After writing several emails, I realized how important good communication skills are.
- Writing a poem can be a cathartic and creative process for many people.
These examples show how “writing” is used in various contexts, highlighting its significance in both personal and professional settings.
Etymology of “Writing”
The word “writing” has a rich history. It comes from the Old English word “writan,” which meant “to scratch, mark, or draw.” Over time, the meaning evolved, and by the 1200s, it referred to the action of forming letters and characters. By the 14th century, it expanded to include not just the physical act of writing but also the broader concept of creating written material. This shift in meaning reflects the growing importance of writing as a tool for communication, preservation of knowledge, and artistic expression.
The evolution of “writing” mirrors the development of written language itself. From ancient inscriptions to modern digital communication, writing has been central to human civilization. Whether it’s preserving history, creating literature, or sending a text message, writing remains a critical part of how we interact and share ideas.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the distinction between “writing” and “writting” is simple when you understand the rules. The correct form is “writing,” not “writting,” because of the silent “e” rule in English. Knowing this rule can help you avoid common mistakes and improve your spelling overall. By practicing the rule of dropping the silent “e” and adding “-ing,” you’ll be well on your way to mastering the present participle forms of verbs. Spelling may seem tricky at times, but once you know the rules, it’s much easier to get it right every time.
Sources:
Alex Hormozi is a seasoned blogger at Vocab Loop, known for his deep insights into language, vocabulary, and grammar. With years of experience in writing, Alex shares practical tips and effective strategies to help readers improve their linguistic skills and enhance their writing abilities.